This is the company’s second application center in APAC, and the fifth globally. Its other application center in APAC is in Mainland China.
Located at The Rutherford, Singapore Science Park, the new application center is equipped with machineries for making functional food and beverages using ingredients that the company specializes in, such as protein and prebiotics.
Clear protein water, yogurt, shakes, gummies, baked goods, bars, ultra-high temperature (UHT) milk, and powder, are some of the applications that the center can create.
These food formats are also trending in the performance and active nutrition space – a fast-growing category in APAC, especially in markets like Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.
“Active nutrition is the main market that we see is growing and developing in APAC, mostly driven by Japan, Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.
“However, we do see countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and India where there are more companies and consumers who are interested in these formats,” Tjalling Bekker, Regional Director APAC, FrieslandCampina Ingredients, told NutraIngredients.
An increase in gym goers and a better awareness of protein’s benefits are reasons driving uptake of active nutrition in APAC.
There are also consumers on GLP-1 medications taking protein functional foods to tackle muscle loss, especially in Oceania.
As such, the company has opened a new application center to capture market opportunities across the region by catering to local preferences.
“For example, an application like bars can be perceived completely differently in different markets. In some markets, consumers prefer bars to be crispy, but in others, they may prefer it to be chewy.
“As such, there is a need to understand how to apply the ingredients and make the products for different consumers, which is why we have invested in this application center dedicated for the APAC markets,” Bekker said.
Applications becoming more varied
In recent years, the types of functional foods and beverages have also become more varied.
Clear protein water is one example.
“It looks like clear water, but it is enriched with protein. For these applications, the knowledge on how to use the ingredients in these formats is becoming a lot more important,” he said.
Bars containing proteins and cereals are another example.
“Chocolate-based bars have been around as a treat and indulgence. However, the segment where we see is growing a lot is bars enriched with certain ingredients for health benefits, such as proteins and cereals.
“Again, these are not easy applications, but we are equipped with the capabilities to do so in our new application center.”
The application center will also focus on early life nutrition and medical nutrition and could also create products in the conventional supplement formats, including tablets and DHA effervescent powder.
EDB investment
Backed by investments from Singapore’s Economic Development Board (EDB), planning of the application center started about two years ago, with construction beginning this year.
Before the application center, FrieslandCampina runs a R&D center in Singapore that primarily works on its consumer brands, such as Dutch Lady and Frisian Flag.
The application center was officially opened this afternoon, where a launch ceremony, guided tour, alongside tasting sessions were held.
“FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ new application center is a valuable addition to our vibrant food and nutrition ecosystem.
“The facility will accelerate innovation through co-development efforts with customers to support health and well-being outcomes across all life stages. We look forward to seeing FrieslandCampina Ingredients work closely with industry partners to create nutritional solutions that unlock new business opportunities in the APAC region,” said Melissa Guan, Vice President & Head, Consumer, at the Singapore EDB.
